It is election year and once again, the Great American Con Game is in full swing. Prevaricating elocutionists are causing hurricanes of promises they cannot possibly fulfill. It begins with two contests, Repubican Vs. Republican, and Democrat vs. Democrat. After the conventions, it becomes a two-way race of Republican vs. Democrat. But what then?

Are there really any new or different ideas? Do any of these candidates (or anyone in the legislative process) really write their own “plans” without the help of lobbyists for big business and special interest groups?

            They claim they are all the champion of the working class (because that is where the most votes lie). They pass minimum wage legislation because they are “concerned” about the poor. They pass environmental laws because they are “concerned” about the poor. Then they pass “free trade” agreements allowing big businesses to fire the poor in this country so they can move production to other countries, giving them a free pass to circumvent the labor and environmental laws in this country (while raising prices to those they just laid off). This practice of “providing” for the working person while protecting those with the biggest campaign contributions has been with us for a long time.

            Our energy crisis is a prime example. Technology exists that would, if implemented, make energy concerns a non-issue. Henry Ford was perhaps the first person who actively pursued agriculture-based fuels for automobiles. While methyl alcohol can be distilled from a wide variety of plants, Mr. Ford used industrial hemp (which was used in making rope) and had developed plastic from the by products. Of course, Congress ensured that petroleum and chemical companies  would not be effected by passing legislation to make industrial hemp illegal. By repealing the law and making industrial hemp a legal crop, our dependence on oil for fuel (and plastics) would drop dramatically.

            The technology also exists so that every home in America could be supplying its own electricity. All new home construction could contain a combination solar/wind generation system to power itself.  Rather than having a power grid with massive power outages during major storms, the majority of people would still have power. Instead of downsizing the power grid and making it more efficient, Congress wants to help power companies “bring it up to date.”  Which would be the most beneficial to the public? Spending our tax money assisting the power companies, or helping us lower our electrical costs while eliminating the costs of widespread power outages?

            Another big issue is health care. A recent issue of the AARP magazine had an article on medical tourism. It seems that many Americans (those who can afford it) are traveling to other countries for major medical procedure because it is less expensive. Apparently, some insurance companies are even covering the treatments done in some foreign countries. Why is it that, not just the procedure, but also the drugs are cheaper in other countries? Why is it that the drug companies have one price of the U.S.A. and lower prices for the rest of the world?

            The best example I have in how much we are being exploited by the drug companies is the drug dexamethasone. When using this drug on cattle or horses, I can buy a 100cc bottle through my veterinarian for five and a half dollars. When my son was born prematurely in 2003, he was given the same drug at a cost of over a hundred dollars a cc. This is a mark up of two thousand times. Why is this? Because our politicians in Washington allow it. How can these presidential candidates look us in the face and say they “have the solution to our health care” when they are the root cause of the costs?

            The recent debacle in mortgage foreclosures is another prime example. The only reason this situation could occur is because federal banking laws allowed it. What would be the simplest, least costly way to rectify the situation? Pass legislation requiring the lending institutions to lower the rates back to the original amount for the life of the loan. The lending companies could do this themselves without being forced to but they apparently would rather take the losses (and own the properties foreclosed upon.)

            There is a great deal of quibbling amongst the candidates as to who is the most qualified, and who has the most experience. Each one of them claims to be the one with the best interest of the middle and lower class people in mind. Yet these are the same people who pass minimum wage laws then ratify treaties allowing big business to move production and exploit workers in foreign countries. These are the same people who will spend our tax money on power companies so they can raise our rates rather than making it possible to provide our own power at a lower cost. These are the same people who allow drug companies to over charge us. How is it that electing any one of these people would benefit “we the people?”  Our government is supposed to be “by the people, for the people.” It has become by the attorneys for big business and special interest groups. It is the people with the experience who have caused the problems we have. 

            One thing that makes our country great is that the people do have a voice. One thing that detracts from our greatness is that we have many people who complain, but do nothing. Talk show hosts, both right and left wing, and bloggers complain about what the other side is doing wrong. There are two problems with this. First, neither side is really doing anything about the problems. Secondly, complaining without taking action is being a part of the problem and not a part of the solution. The other thing which makes this country great is that, in theory, nearly anyone could become president.

            This is why I have decided to run as an independent presidential candidate. I may be the ultimate underdog as well as ultimate Washington outsider. A ranch cowboy making twenty four thousand a year taking on the prevaricating elocutionists of Washington. Perhaps I am distantly related to Don Quixote, but at least I’m giving it a shot. If you are dissatisfied with the present solutions, join me at http://www.bobkinford.com